Solid performance for a debut album
Paul Mcguire | San Diego, CA USA | 02/07/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Ripples is a solid progressive metal album. The best part of the album is the catchy guitar and keyboard work. There are a number of good solos in various track. The vocals are solid even though the lyrics are a bit cliche. Thankfully, the album is so well mixed that the vocals blend into the rest. If you like progressive metal, you should check out the samples on their myspace to decide if this album is for you."
OK Start. I guess.
T. Reid | NJ | 05/04/2010
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I just bought this album and to tell you the truth it's not that bad. Not great either. Here are my issues with this album. 1st, lyrics are simplistic. Like the other reviewer said they are cliché. After a few listens I just tuned out on what was actually being said. The lyrics a completely uninteresting. They need to use better metaphors and put more thought into them. Better yet how about using a metaphor. 2nd, lazy transitions. Riffs are choppy at best. One riff starts then just stops and another one starts. They are not laced together for the most part for smooth transitions. 3rd, some of the riffs are killer then this poppy generic riff comes in and destroys the flow leaving you hanging. Fourth, some choruses and riffs are so poppy; you might think you are listening to an 80's MTV soft rock band than a Progressive metal outfit of 2010. 5th, Keyboards need to be better. It's 2010. Most of the keyboard riffs sound like 80's pop music rhythm sections and Nintendo video game scores. Where are the synthetic strings? 6th, in my opinion the best tracks are 6, 7, 8 and 10. The Good thing is I like the singer. He has his own sound and I can get behind that. All in all I feel this could have been better. I enjoy it enough to hear the next album. It appears that these guys can play for the most part. What they seem to lack is creativity. They need to step up their game though. Sounding like a generic progressive metal band can only get you so far.
"
AWESOME debut album
mhappy | UK | 02/16/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Norwegians hottest newcomer ASPERA prove with this debut, that a fantastic progressive album must not lack interesting and catchy melodies at all. The combination of the 2 elements have been perfectly combined in this album, produced by well known Jens Bogren (Hammerfall, Symphony X, Pain of Salvation). All 9 songs are great and easy to listen, despite their complexe composition. My favourite tracks are "Ripples", "Traces Inside", "Between Black and White".
ASPERA are truly a MUST buy for all fans of Dream Theater, Pagan's Mind, Symphony X or Evergrey. This album will be one of the nest releases in 2010, a masterpiece!!
"
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1